All Expert Cyclists Prefer SRAM Force

All Expert Cyclists Prefer SRAM Force

Alison Addy

The correct chain maintenance can prolong your bicycle chain. This article shows you how to clean and lubricate your chain properly and the situations where you will need to replace it.

Bicycle chains have a nasty habit of breaking down at the most inconvenient of places and times. Nevertheless, most of the problems of a jerky chain can be avoided with the correct chain maintenance. Ideally, the chain should be checked fortnightly or after about 10 hours of riding time. You should also remember to check your chain after rain or bad weather.

The chain should be replaced if it is worn out, tight, rusty or has run more than 1000 miles. A new chain with 24 links is 12 inches in length. If this exceeds by 1/16 of an inch, then it will need to be replaced to avoid damaging the chain ring and sprocket. If you do end up having to replace the chain rings and sprocket, you should replace the chain at the same time to remove the risk of damage to the new parts.

Although the metal parts do not stretch, the chain increases in length due to the deteriation of the pins and sleeves. The best way to prolong it's life is to keep the chain well lubricated with a drop of lubricant in every pin in the chain. Although other methods may be less hassle, they are definitely not as effective.

The chain should be soaked for about 15 minutes and then dried with a clean cloth. This stops the chain from attracting dirt while riding.

Normal soap can be used to clean the chain, removing grease and grime. To clean properly, the soap should be placed in the middle of a cloth and then wrapped around the chain and backpedaled. This method should be repeated, rinsing the cloth every time until the chain is clean. After cleaning always remember to lubricate the chain.

While cleaning the chain you will need to inspect it for any tight links by backpedaling and watching the chain in the rear derailleur. A tight chain can jump the teeth and have jerky movements. If you do spot a tight link, this can be fixed by flexing between two points five links from where you found the tight link. Do this on each side and it should do the trick, if after trying this it still does not loosen then replace the chain. If you keep the chain clean and regularly lubricated you should get a lot more use out of the pins and sleeves/bushes too.

If the chain is noisy when riding and cleaning it does not help ( http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/Roval_Fusee_Wheels_Part_2.html ) Roval wheels, it needs replacing. Also, if the pedaling becomes rough and the sprocket teeth are not fitting to the chain properly then it is time to for a new chain.

Alison Addy is a journalist who writes newsletters on bike reviews for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .More ( http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/Roval_Fusee_Wheels_Part_2.html ) articles on roval wheels and specialized wheels at his web.